Key Chemical Growth Areas

A major thrust of PPG's chemicals research is to expand and advance the company's specialty chemicals business. State-of-the-art research is taking place in a number of specific areas, including silicas, optical plastics, fine chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, photochromic dyes, changeable plastic ophthalmic lenses, microporous membranes and water treatment chemicals. Another thrust of PPG's research is to strengthen its successful Chlor-Alkali and Derivatives business. Research is being conducted to produce these chemicals as cost-effectively as possible, and at the same time enhance the lifetime of the company's physical plants and equipment, while providing a safe and protected environment. Yet another aspect of the company's chemical research is to establish technology platforms in areas of business which PPG is not currently involved. This effort is being driven by our Discovery research group and involved the development and application of scientific principles to new commercial objectives, rather than improvements to existing products and processes. The idea is to use these technology platforms - perhaps complemented by acquisitions - as avenues of significant growth for the company. Internally-generated growth is key here; acquisition plays a secondary role to support and enhance internal development. Some recent examples include organic ink/coating for bottles, CMP Consumables for use in the high-technology chip market and work on Organic Light Emitting Devices.